Scherer Honors Gold Star Families At Illinois’ Gold Star Family Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, honored the sacrifices of Illinois’ Gold Star families, offering opening remarks at a holiday ceremony highlighting the contributions of these special families.

“Our Gold Star families have a hole that can never ever be filled. These were not just soldiers – but sons, daughters, husbands, wives and parents,” said Scherer. “Although I have continually tried to honor the sacrifice of our fallen servicemembers, I know all too well that they have paid a price that our nation can never truly repay.”

On Monday, Scherer opened the annual Gold Star Family Christmas Tree Ceremony with a story about the impact of one young soldier’s absence on his family and her efforts to honor the sacrifices made by our service members who died during combat. In 2021, Scherer helped to pass House Bill 20, which made Gold Star license plates free for parents and widows of soldiers who perished during a wartime incident. Since the program’s inception during the First World War, over 27 thousand gold stars have been awarded to families across the state.

“Our veterans and their families have endured and faced what many of us can never imagine. Through their determination and sacrifice, we remain free,” said Scherer. “As the daughter of a World War II veteran, with several family members who played a part in other conflicts, I am immensely proud of my family’s history of service, as well as that of others throughout our country. I will continue to stand up and fight for our veterans and everything they fought for.”